Confined Space Physical Hazards – Part 1

 

Confined Space Physical Hazards – Part 1

Chain Pulley Block Safety

The Industrial workplace hazards outside of a confined space can be also inside the space, and often more severe (e.g. noise, grinding). Whenever possible, entry into confined spaces should be avoided or greatly limited. All employees involved in a confined space job must be trained on confined space hazards and hazard control. The most common hazards include:

❏ engulfment

❏ temperature extremes

❏ electrical

❏ mechanical

❏ noise

❏ slips, trips and falls

❏ poor lighting

❏ atmospheric

Crane Lifting Hand Signal Guide

❏ confined space configuration

❏ external activities

❏ confined space atmosphere

❏ flammable atmosphere

❏ toxic atmosphere

❏ radioactive materials

❏ mercury

❏ other toxic materials

Engulfment Hazard

Engulfment is one of the critical hazard in the industry workplace,  Engulfment means to bury or submerge. Engulfment is when a person is buried or trapped by soil, sand, or gravel; or submerged by a liquid or chemical. Solid materials can be very heavy on the body and can cause injury or death by crushing or suffocating. Liquids can cause drowning or injuries from the liquid or chemical. All of these are engulfment. An excavation can have engulfment hazards from loose sand and seeping water such as when trenches or excavations cave-in or collapse.

 Definitions of Terms in Chemical Safety

Extreme Temperature Hazard

Adequate ventilation is very important safety requirement for the safe working in Confined Space. A confined space with limited ventilation can become extremely hot or cold. In extremely hot environments, the hazards are heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat stroke. In extreme cold you can lose feeling in your fingers, toes, and the ability to think clearly. Protective insulated clothing and PPE for both hot and cold environments adds additional bulk and fatigue to a working members. Insulated clothing and Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) must be considered to ensure workers can move within the confined space, to operate equipment, and exit the space quickly.

Process Safety Incidents - Case Studies